2013 Business Awards Presented

In celebration of May being Small Business Month, the Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches held its Annual Business Awards Breakfast with nearly 500 community and business leaders in attendance. These awards recognize Palm Beach County companies that lead with confidence, demonstrating a solid commitment to their business goals, their employees and their local community. The awards were presented by PNC Bank.

“PNC Bank recognizes the vital importance that small business owners have on our regional and national economy," said Craig Grant, regional president of PNC Bank Florida East. "Supporting the Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches and its 2013 Business Awards ceremony is essential to demonstrate PNC's commitment to helping small-business owners grow their businesses and to help them achieve their financial goals."

The Small Business Person of the Year was awarded to Steve Politziner, General Manager & Vice President,ESPN West Palm. ESPN West Palm is a sports marketing company that provides customized marketing solutions to local businesses and provides compelling content to the sports fans of West Palm and the Treasure Coast.

The Business of the Year award was presented to the Palm Beach Kennel Club, PatrickJ.Rooney Jr., President. The Palm Beach Kennel Clubprovides fun and excitement to local residents and visitors to the area with live greyhound racing and simulcast horse, harness and jai-alai action on over 600 color screens, as well as a 64-table Poker Room with tournaments and a wide variety of dining options.

The Non-Profit of the Year/ Arts & Culture, was awarded to South Florida Fair & Palm Beach County Expositions, Inc., President/CEO Richard J. Vymlatil. The South Florida Fair’s mission is topreserve and promote the agricultural, trade, entertainment and historical heritage of our community.

The Non-Profit of the Year/Health & Human Services, was awarded to the Education Foundation of Palm Beach County, Inc., Executive Director Mary Kay Murray. The Education Foundation’s mission is to advance excellence in public education by increasing public awareness and sustaining community support for programs focused on learning, literacy and leadership which helps prepare today’s students for tomorrow’s challenges.

The Health Care/Science Professional Award was presented to Dr. Ali Malek, M.D., F.S.N.I.S., Director, Neurointerventional Program & Comprehensive Stroke Program at St. Mary’s Medical Center.He established the 11th Comprehensive Stroke Center in Florida where he has performed over 1300 procedures and has been a leader in setting the standard of care of neurologic patients in Palm Beach County and the region.

Dr. Donald Warren, founder and chairman of the Board of Trustees of Palm Beach Atlantic University, was honored as Community Leader Award recipient, for his lifetime of extraordinary achievements. “Dr. Warren has been a pillar of the medical and higher education communities for decades. Because of his unwavering vision and dedication, Palm Beach County is home to one of the great Christian institutions of higher education in America – Palm Beach Atlantic University. Dr. Warren has been a role model for an entire generation and his legacy in our community is profound”, said Harvey Oyer, Chamber Chairman.